Kate Beckinsale Says Her Stepfather, Roy Battersby, Has Died 'After A Brief Illness'

Kate Beckinsale has announced the death of her stepfather, the TV director Roy Battersby, and has said she has "no words" to describe the loss.

Mr Battersby, 87, was best known for his work on detective dramas including Inspector Morse, Cracker and A Touch Of Frost.

He had suffered "a massive stroke" and was being treated in hospital in Los Angeles, where the actress lives. He was also battling two forms of cancer, which were diagnosed last summer.

The British actress, 50, said on Instagram:

"I have no words yet... I fought for you with everything I had. Oh Roy I am so sorry I lost".

She also shared a video and photo carousel of Battersby, who was married to her mother Judy Loe, alongside a family statement that said:

"It is with great sorrow that the family of film and television director Roy Battersby announce the news of his recent death after a brief period of illness.

"He passed away peacefully on 10 January 2024, in Los Angeles, surrounded by family, aged 87. Funeral will be held in London, details to follow."

Last week, the Underworld star posted a black square without a caption on her Instagram account, which many took to mean he had passed away.

Earlier this month, Beckinsale rushed from the Golden Globes ceremony to hospital to be by her stepfather's side, sharing photos of herself on the red carpet and in hospital with the caption:

"Golden globes 2024 start to end."

Her mother, Judy, married Roy Battersby in 1997, 18 years after her first husband, Porridge actor Richard Beckinsale, died.

The funeral will be held in London, with Beckinsale suggesting further details would follow.